Ariel's History Civil War Page!!!

Fisher Jr./Sr. High School: 8th Grade

Jacob Chism : During the Civil War

Jacob Chism Before the War:

From the information gathered, Jacob Chism was born around June 22, 1841 in the East Bend area. He owned livestock and acres of crops, so we can assume he owned and worked on the farm. Though the lack of information tells us nothing of his physical features, he may have had a dark complexion because of farming.

As a farmer, his most valuable possessions included real estate and personal estate; consisting chiefly of horses, cattle, hogs, corn, wheat, and oats. Jacob Chism's personal estate estimated to be worth about five hundred dollars, after his death in 1867.

Jacob Chism's Military Experiences:

Jacob Chism, at the age of twenty-two, enlisted as a private on August 7, 1862 into Company F of the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois Infantry. Chism served in the military almost three years until he mustered-out in June 9, 1865.

Jacob Chism managed to survive those three years during those three years during the Civil War. Marching with many other men from Newcomb, East Bend, Middleton, and Champaign, they fought battles together and lost many along the way.

How I Think the Civil War Affected Jacob Chism :

Chism more than likely suffered injuries sustained during the war as well as diseases. Because of little known information of this man, it is quite difficult to know exactly what happened to him during that course of time.

After he mustered out, Jacob Chism came back home to his East Bend residence where he met a woman named Mary (last name unknown). On January 24, 1867, the two were married in Champaign County. Unfortunately not even seven months into their marriage, Jacob died at the age of twenty-six.

To my knowledge, Mary Chism never had any kids with Jacob Chism. We came to the conclusion that Jacob may have died from complications from the war. Many times soldiers would have long lasting effects that might lead to their death long after the war.

My Conclusions on Jacob Chism's Life During the Civil War:

Private Chism marched and fought alongside many other men from the 125th Infantry. Life was hard and difficult for many of the soldier men. They depended on an army ration; to be eaten as cooked by novices in the culinary art. Here drill and dress parade, guard and picket duty, and a semblance of discipline, were imposed on all. Camp life was difficult as well. The measles broke-out, leaving many disabled, while others lingered in the hospital and died. Some managed to recover, and they were returned to their command post.

Many were shot during the battles. If not left-for-dead, many died in hospitals, some lost minor and vital body parts, and were discharged from the infantry and sent home. But those who survived and could go back and fight, were vital to the infantry, and were simply turned back out into battle after recovering.

Tools of the Trade:

When soldiers enlisted in the Civil War, they were given all they needed, including weapons. Some of the standard weapons issued were Sharps Carbines, Winchester Rifles, and the Springfield.

In 1848, Christian Sharps invented a rifle that loaded from the back end of the barrel because during the 1800's, most guns were muzzle loaders. "During the Civil War about 100,000 of these rifles were supplied to the Union Army. Between 1836 and 187, over 540 patents for breech loading rifles were issued, which many of these guns were manufactured and sold to the US Government during the Civil War." (Yates1)

The Winchester Rifle, known mostly for its use in the West, saw earlier use in the war. This rifle could fire 187 shots in 216 seconds while other rifles fired 120 shots in 340 seconds. The rifles had also developed no mechanical difficulties after being fired 1,040 times without cleaning.

Overall, the most standard weapon, used by both the North and South, was the 1861 Springfield rifle. Its rifle barrel gave it better accuracy and penetration. In addition to keeping the bullet on a straighter course, an expansion minimized the escape of gas, which increased its range.

Bibliography of Sources:

Behrens, Robert. From Salt Fork to Chickamauga, Champaign County Soldiers in the Civil War. Urbana Free Library, Urbana Illinois. 1988.

Travis Yates:Standard Weapons Issued (during the Civil War): http://www.angelfire.com/ar/travisyates/weapons.html

Special Appreciation and Thanks:

I would like to thank my group members for helping this group effort a success. Also to all three of my teachers, Ms.Patterson (English), Mrs.Joldersma (Science), and Mr.Peterson (History) for helping each and every one of us students and putting up with is.

I would also like to thank the librarians at the Urbana Free Library Archives for helping us with our extensive research, as well as all the questions they answered and materials they helped us find.

Also, thanks to Mrs.Diorio for her help in the library by getting us books to help with our research, as well as copies after copies of papers.